2013 Redwood 36RL adding solar

[Markyhar]

I recently purchased this unit and im in love with it best fifth wheel ive owned. I would like to add 2 solar panels to the unit to assist with keeping batteries peaked/maintained. Has anyone went through this? I was thinking of running the wiring down through where the main control panel cabinet is but didn't know if anyone else could direct me to a better location for tracing wiring from roof?

[XCMARK]

Originally Posted by Markyhar

I recently purchased this unit and im in love with it best fifth wheel ive owned. I would like to add 2 solar panels to the unit to assist with keeping batteries peaked/maintained. Has anyone went through this? I was thinking of running the wiring down through where the main control panel cabinet is but didn't know if anyone else could direct me to a better location for tracing wiring from roof?

We have a 2015 RL-38 that I just finished installing solar panels and a complete Victron energy system. I designed and installed everything over the last 3 months.

My first question is do you want it for battery to keep them charged or do you want it to have enough power to dry camp? Happy to help .

[Markyhar]

Just mainly for battery maintaining and maybe a little extra.. I an on board generator so not really looking to go full solar at this point

[Markyhar]

Originally Posted by XCMARK

We have a 2015 RL-38 that I just finished installing solar panels and a complete Victron energy system. I designed and installed everything over the last 3 months.

My first question is do you want it for battery to keep them charged or do you want it to have enough power to dry camp? Happy to help .

Just mainly for battery maintaining and maybe a little extra.. I an on board generator so not really looking to go full solar at this point. I was thinking 2 100 watt panels with a controller from the jungle web site

[XCMARK]

Here is my suggestions , Victron energy MPPT smart solar charge controller.

Newpowa 24 volt ,120 watt panels . The reason why I suggest 24 volt panels is the voltage the charge controller turns on at is 5 volts above battery voltage. So 12 volt panels for the most part have a open voltage output around 18~19 volts so some times that panels could produce 20 watts on cloudy days but the voltage is low so it doesnt turn on.

https://www.newpowa.com/collections/...4v-solar-panel

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Monoc...50&sr=8-1&th=1


https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...-100-30-100-50

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energ...ps%2C55&sr=8-4

The 30 amp unit can support up to 440 watts of panels. . With panels mounted flat on the roof you will only see about 60% power most of the days . Two 120 watt panels should give you 10~15 amps most days. The angle the panel is tilted towards will get the most output so if there is a tree next to where the sun comes up and the panels are angled for afternoon sun you will still make good power after 12:00pm. Be carefull not to mount the panel next to the AC units or vents with hoods , the shadows will cause to the panels to not produce good power.

[Markyhar]

Originally Posted by XCMARK

Here is my suggestions , Victron energy MPPT smart solar charge controller.

Newpowa 24 volt ,120 watt panels . The reason why I suggest 24 volt panels is the voltage the charge controller turns on at is 5 volts above battery voltage. So 12 volt panels for the most part have a open voltage output around 18~19 volts so some times that panels could produce 20 watts on cloudy days but the voltage is low so it doesnt turn on.

https://www.newpowa.com/collections/...4v-solar-panel

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Monoc...50&sr=8-1&th=1


https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...-100-30-100-50

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energ...ps%2C55&sr=8-4

The 30 amp unit can support up to 440 watts of panels. . With panels mounted flat on the roof you will only see about 60% power most of the days . Two 120 watt panels should give you 10~15 amps most days. The angle the panel is tilted towards will get the most output so if there is a tree next to where the sun comes up and the panels are angled for afternoon sun you will still make good power after 12:00pm. Be carefull not to mount the panel next to the AC units or vents with hoods , the shadows will cause to the panels to not produce good power.

and where did you end up routing the wiring from the roof? would it be possible to talk on the phone with you? I'd like to pick your brain?

[Markyhar]

Originally Posted by XCMARK

Here is my suggestions , Victron energy MPPT smart solar charge controller.

Newpowa 24 volt ,120 watt panels . The reason why I suggest 24 volt panels is the voltage the charge controller turns on at is 5 volts above battery voltage. So 12 volt panels for the most part have a open voltage output around 18~19 volts so some times that panels could produce 20 watts on cloudy days but the voltage is low so it doesnt turn on.

https://www.newpowa.com/collections/...4v-solar-panel

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Monoc...50&sr=8-1&th=1


https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...-100-30-100-50

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energ...ps%2C55&sr=8-4

The 30 amp unit can support up to 440 watts of panels. . With panels mounted flat on the roof you will only see about 60% power most of the days . Two 120 watt panels should give you 10~15 amps most days. The angle the panel is tilted towards will get the most output so if there is a tree next to where the sun comes up and the panels are angled for afternoon sun you will still make good power after 12:00pm. Be carefull not to mount the panel next to the AC units or vents with hoods , the shadows will cause to the panels to not produce good power.

This is what i was considering to buy

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KZJD14Y8Y&th=1

[XCMARK]

If your shopping based on cost, you would not get as much output for the rating. PWM style solar chargers are not as efficient at converting variable voltage DC to a voltage suitable for charging your 12-volt battery. The MPPT style solar I have suggested has twice the output compacity and a much more efficient use of solar power. If you want to save some money, go to a smaller output, maybe a 15- or 20-amp MPPT. the 15-amp chargers are around $120, and the 20 amp are about $155.

I send you a PM with my phone number If your around Saturday morning give me a call . I will be doing a oil change and fuel filter on the truck.

[C&D.L]

I installed solar in my 2012 RL. I took down the inside part of the shower skylight which exposed a route down behind the shower wall into the area behind the removable wall in the basement where the wiring/furnace/etc is. I dropped a cord with a weight on it behind the shower and it fell out below where i hooked on to it with another cord. I then located the spot in the roof where the plumbing vent pipe goes up behind the shower as well where i drilled the holes for the wiring from the solar panels. I secured the solar panels, pushed the wire through the holes, connected them to the cord and pulled them into the basement. all in all pretty easy.

[RickF]

Great information. Does the Solar controller convert the voltage back to 12 V?

[XCMARK]

Originally Posted by RickF

Great information. Does the Solar controller convert the voltage back to 12 V?

The Victron solar converter can be programed to very specific DC voltage. Some systems in boats could be 48 DC so they have designed there systems to work with 12 volt , 24 volt , 36 volt and 48 volt systems. RV unless they are being custom designed operate on 12 volt systems. I am not saying the charge controller boost voltages , what comes down from the panels MUST be at a min 5 volts higher then the operation system they are connect to or it will not turn on. This can be down by just simply wiring more then one panel in series to get to the voltage higher then just one panel can produce. simple ohms law , 12 volts plus 12 volts =24 volts , then the charge controller make a useable safe charging voltage for your battery bank. They do have limitations on open voltage max on the panel side and how much DC current they can put out make sure you think about this before you buy.